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PoC detection of respiratory pathogens (SARS-CoV-2) in functionalized hydrogels within an FFP protective mask

Leipzig, 21.12.2021

 

As part of a feasibility study, an assay for the detection of respiratory pathogens, in particular SARS-CoV-2, has been developed together with Leibniz IOM and Fraunhofer IZI, which can be integrated in a miniaturized gel matrix into a FFP protective mask. For this purpose, the breath condensate of the mask wearer is collected on special membranes and the separated virus particles are detected using the diagnostic assay within a gel matrix.

The project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the SAB (Sächsische Aufbaubank) and its official start was at the beginning of 2021. We are currently seeking strategic partners for the development and commercialisation of the mask-based solution in the area of FFP mask production, device construction (handheld scanner for reading the color change on the mask module) and IVD assay/devices approval.

 

Scientific article publication in Future Science OA

Leipzig, 22.03.2017

 

Dr Natalia Sandetskaya et. al from Fraunhofer Institut for Cell Therapy and Immunology today published a scientific article with Magna Diagnostics GmbH, Fraunhofer IZM and microfluidic ChipShop on March 22, 2017.

The article titled: "An integrated versatile lab-on-a-chip platform for the isolation and nucleic acid-based detection of pathogens" was authored by Natalia Sandetskaya, Doreen Moos, Harald Pötter, Stefan Seifert, Marcin Jenerowicz (all Fraunhofer), Holger Becker (ChipShop), Christian Zilch (Magna Diagnostics) and Dirk Kuhlmeier (Fraunhofer).

The article covers the integrated and automated platform MAZER (MinoLyzer) for sample preparation and nucleic acid-based detection.

Results: "We present a prototype of a versatile and integrated platform for the detection of pathogens in various liquid media. We describe a proof-of-concept for the integrated isolation of bacteria, cell lysis with optional DNA extraction, DNA amplification and detection in two different reactions, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and PCR, on a single microfluidic platform."

For more information: www.future-science.com/doi/full/10.4155/fsoa-2016-0088

 

 

Poster presentation at the 3rd Austrian Biomarker Symposium, Early Diagnostics

Leipzig, 12.03.2016

 

Dr. Jörg Schotter and Moritz Eggeling from AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH today presented with Magna Diagnostics GmbH the latest results from e-Brains at the 3rd Austrian Biomarker Symposium, Early Diagnostics in Vienna, Austria, on 10-11 March 2016. The poster presentation, titled: "Single bead detection by a CMOS-integrated tunneling magneto-resistance biosensor," was authored by Moritz Eggeling, Jörg Schotter, Astrit Shoshi, Volker Höink (all AIT), Manfred Meindl (Intel), Manfred Rührig (Siemens), Wolfgang Raberg (Infineon) and Christian Zilch (Magna Diagnostics).

The poster covers the follow-up results from the EU-sponsored project e-Brains using the CMOS-integrated tunneling magneto-resistive (TMR) biosensor comprising 131.072 individual sensing cells arranged in 128 arrays from Infineon, which has been co-developed with AIT, Siemens, Intel and Magna Diagnostics.

The innovative biosensor is the integral part of Magna Diagnostic’s point-of-care platform for the detection of infectious pathogens in sepsis patients. For the first time it was possible for the consortium to experimentally detect single magnetic beads using this novel type of TMR-sensor demonstrating its extremely high sensitivity and suitability for diagnostic application. The work is sponsored by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) under the project title e-Brains (http://www.e-brains.org).

 

The top-down fabrication of a 3D-integrated, fully CMOS-compatible FET biosensor based on vertically stacked SiNWs and FinFETs

Publication, 31. March 2014 in Sensors and Actuators: Vol. 193, Pages 400–412

Authors: Elizabeth Buitrago, Montserrat Fernández-Bolaños, Sara Rigante, Christian F. Zilch, Nicole S. Schröter, Adrian M. Nightingale, Adrian M. Ionescu

 

A 3D vertically stacked silicon nanowire (SiNW) and Fin field effect transistor (FET) featuring a high density array (7 or 8 × 20 SiNWs, >4 Fins vertically stacked) of fully depleted, ultra-thin (SiNWs diameters ∼15–30 nm, Fin width/height fw ∼30 nm/fh ∼150 nm), long (>2 μm) and suspended channels has been successfully fabricated for the first time by a top-down, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible process on silicon on insulator (SOI) substrates for biosensing applications. SiNW and FinFETs continue to draw interest as biological sensors for their outstanding sensitivity due to their large surface to volume ratios (S/V), high selectivity towards a myriad of analytes through surface functionalization and the possibility for label free, direct monitoring of biological activities. In this paper we describe different strategies and limitations for the successful development and fabrication of a 3D Si nanostructure FET using conventional clean-room fabrication techniques and their integration into heterogeneous systems. The vertical stacking allows for higher utilization of the Si substrate, high output currents (1.3 mA/μm, normalized to a NW diameter of 30 nm at VSG = 3 V, and Vd = 50 mV, for a standard structure with 7 × 10 NWs stacked) and high chances for biomolecule interaction as the number of conduction channels increases. Also, as the NWs/Fins are suspended, their entire surface area is exposed to the sensing analyte. The configuration of the 3D sensor furthermore offers excellent electrostatic control of the channels by the possibility of applying symmetric or asymmetric gate potentials to tune the sensitivity and optimize the power consumption. Our fabrication scheme is competitive in terms of scaling and NW density in comparison to bottom-up and other top-down approaches with the advantage of using a CMOS-compatible, high yield (>90%), reproducible and robust processes.

 

Technology presentation at the COMPAMED 2013 in Düsseldorf, Germany

Leipzig, 22.11.2013

 

Magna Diagnostics presented its latest technology developments on COMPAMED 2013 in Düsseldorf, German at the pavilion of IVAM Microtechnology Network to an international audience. The presentation called „MinoLab - A Novel Magnetic Bead-based Diagnostic Platform for the Detection of Pathogen-specific Biomolecules“ was held in the session „Lab-on-a-Chip – Miniaturized Tools for Diagnostic Applications and Bioprocess Intensification“, which was chaired by Dr. Becker from Microfluidic ChipShop GmbH. Currently, a suitable assay for the detection of pathogens is being transferred to the MAZER-Platform within the BMBF-funded project MinoLab. In parallel a 3D-integrated RFID-based biochip is being developed together with Infineon in the EU-funded project e-Brains (http://www.e-brains.org). The project ending in the first quarter of 2014 will deliver a „smart biosensor grain” that can easily be integrated into microfluidic testing devices. The major advantage is the capability of the chip for mobile data communication between a disposable testing card and a reader device.

 

Poster presentation at the 3rd International Conference on Bio-Sensing Technology in Sitges, Spain

Leipzig, 10.05.2013

 

Magna Diagnostics GmbH today announced a poster presentation at the 3rd International Conference on Bio-Sensing Technology in Sitges, Spain, on 12-15 May 2013 together with its scientific partner EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne).

The poster presentation, titled: "Immobilization of DNA to planar and nanostructured chip-surfaces for the detection of pathogen-specific biomolecules on a magnetic bead- based diagnostic platform," was authored by Nicole Schröter (Magna Diagnostics) and Elizabeth Buitrago (EPFL) et al.

The poster covers the most recent results of the development of an innovative point-of-care platform for the detection of infectious pathogens in sepsis patients. The work is sponsored by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) under the project title e-Brains (http://www.e-brains.org).

 

Germany's Magna Diagnostics Heading Development of Point-of-Care Molecular Testing Platform

06.01.2011 by Ben Butkus

 

German startup Magna Diagnostics is leading the charge to develop a point-of-care molecular testing platform based on magnetic nanoparticles and PCR amplification under a three-year grant from the German government that is worth at least €1 million ($1.32 million), PCR Insider has learned.

 

Leipzig-based Magna, a recent spinout of Germany's Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology, is spearheading a public-private consortium that includes two different Fraunhofer Institute branches, Siemens, and several smaller companies. The goal is to produce a prototype device for clinical testing by early 2013, Magna CEO Christian Zilch said this week.

 

The device, dubbed Mazer, will rely on a phenomenon known as tunnel magnetoresistance, or TMR, a magnetoresistive effect that has been used in computing for hard disk drives and newer memory applications, but which is also useful for various sensing applications...

 

Source: www.genomeweb.com/pcrsample-prep/germanys-magna-diagnostics-heading-development-point-care-molecular-testing-plat

MAGNETIC INFECTION DIAGNOSTICS FROM FRAUNHOFER IS SUCCESSFUL IN THE COMPETITION » 365 PLACES IN THE LAND OF THE IDEAS «

29.10.2010

With their concept of Magnetic Infection Diagnostics, the Fraunhofer Institute of Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI in cooperation with Magna Diagnostics GmbH has won the title Selected Landmarks 2010 from the Germany wide innovation competition called » 365 Places in the Land of the Ideas «.

Price giving ceremony on October 29, 2010: Head of the Fraunhofer IZI Professor Frank Emmrich, Deutsche Bank Director Friedbert Damm, laureates Dr. Christian Zilch, CEO of Magna Diagnostics GmbH with business partners Dr. Sonya Faber and Mr. Bernhardt Faber as well as guest of honour Professor Sabine von Schorlemer, Saxonian Minister of State for Science and Arts (f.l.t.r.).
Photo: Fraunhofer IZI

This diagnosis system, called "MAZER", will offer hospitals to ability to provide their patients with fast and affordable on-site infection diagnosis. Today, Friedbert Damm of Deutsche Bank in Leipzig recognized the Fraunhofer IZI for this idea and awarded them the title of Selected Landmark 2010. This prize is one of 365 awarded nationally, which are jointly awarded each year by the initiative Germany – Land of the Ideas and Deutsche Bank under the patronage of the German federal president.

The technology of "MAZER" is based on the magnetoresistive effects, which are being used in the area of biomolecule analytics. During his award presentation Friedbert Damm stressed, „This technology is a prominent example of research spirit, creativity and engagement. Innovative diagnostics methods are essential for improved medical care. Everybody can benefit from it.“

The translation of this idea into clinical practice will take place in the spin-off start-up company from the IZI called Magna Diagnostics GmbH. Magna’s managing director, Dr. Christian Zilch, commented on the prize, „We are very proud to be a awarded with such an honor. We are now focusing our efforts to successfully translating this technology into a tool that can be used in clinical practice. Our goal is to provide an important contribution to the diagnosis of life-threatening infections in order to both save lives and to relieve some of the financial burden on the health system. «

As a guest of honour Professor Dr. Dr. Sabine von Schorlemer, Saxon state minister for science and art said, „The translation of this idea into clinical practice will mean the ability provide a important service to both the patient and to society.“

From the more than 2,200 submitted applications this year, this magnetic infection diagnostics technology convinced an independent jury. „This award demonstrates in multiple ways the innovation, strength, and creative power of Germany. Every day we see, through the enormous potential which resides here in this region, how a nationwide network of ideas is growing.“, Friedbert Damm exclaimed during his address.

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Magna Diagnostics erhält 3. Preis bei futureSAX

26.06.2009

Magna Diagnostics ist die Ausgründung eines medizinischen Diagnostikunternehmens des Fraunhofer-Instituts in Leipzig mit Unterstützung durch SMILE.medibiz. Ziel des Unternehmens ist es, ein schnelles, kostengünstiges und einfach zu bedienendes Diagnostiksystem zu entwickeln, welches direkt vor Ort am Patienten zum Einsatz kommen kann. Erreicht wird dies durch die Verwendung kleinster magnetischer Partikel. Eine Blutprobe genügt, damit die Partikel mittels Magnetkraft vollautomatisch das System durchlaufen. Am Ende der Prozesskette erfolgt die Diagnose mittels hochempfindlicher Magnetsensorik. Die Magna Diagnostics GmbH gehörte 2008 zu den fünf Finalisten bei dem bundesweiten Businessplan-Wettbewerb Science4Life. Dieses Jahr wurde die Magna Diagnostics GmbH bei FutureSax für das beste Geschäfts-/ und Markteingkonzept ausgezeichnet (Phase II).

Quelle: http://www.smile.medibiz.org/index.php?id=61

In der Phase III des FutureSAX Wettbewerbs wurde Magna Diagnostics mit dem 3. Preis ausgezeichnet.


O-Ton zum System MAZER von Bernhard Faber (Quelle: futureSAX)

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futureSAX Prämierung Phase III

Der 3. Preis des futureSAX Wettbewerbs ging an die Magna Diagnostics GmbH aus Leipzig (26.06.2009)

Quelle: http://tinyurl.com/2332lzm

 

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futureSAX prämiert Leipziger Diagnostikunternehmen „Magna Diagnostics“

02.04.2009

Unter den besten Geschäfts- und Marketingstrategien im Businessplan-Wettbewerb futureSAX 2009 (Phase II), war im Bereich Bio-/ Nanotechnologie das Leipziger Diagnostikunternehmen Magna Diagnostics erfolgreich. Als Ausgründung aus dem Fraunhofer-Institut für Zelltherapie und Immunologie IZI, ist Magna Diagnostics ein erfolgreiches Beispiel für Technologietransfer und Gründerinitiativen, unterstützt von SMILE.medibiz.

Das Unternehmen entwickelt auf Grundlage kleinster Magnetpartikel ein kostengünstiges und einfach zu bedienendes Diagnostiksystem, das direkt am Patienten vor Ort zum Einsatz kommen kann.

Quelle: http://biosaxony.com/downloads/newsletter/Newsletter-0509.pdf

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Magna Diagnostics - Gründer des Jahres 2008 bei Science4life

08.07.2008

Magna Diagnostics ist die Ausgründung einer medizinischen Diagnostikfirma des Fraunhofer-Instituts IZI im Bereich der Point-of-Care-Spezialdiagnostik in Leipzig. Ziel ist es, vor Ort mit einer neuartigen und voll integrierten Plattform eine einfache und kostengünstige Infektionsdiagnostik durchzuführen. Das neue System basiert auf magnetischen Partikeln, die nur wenige Nanometer groß sind und je nach Anwendungsbereich als Träger für spezifische Fängermoleküle dienen. Diese magnetisierten Partikel binden an Zielzellen z. B. in einer Blutprobe, die ihrerseits dann mittels Magnetkraft vollautomatisch durch einzelne Reaktionsgefäße transportiert und aufgearbeitet werden. Am Ende der Prozesskette erfolgt die Diagnose der Zielmoleküle mittels hochempfindlicher Magnetsensorik, deren zugrundeliegendes Verfahren erst kürzlich mit dem Nobelpreis ausgezeichnet wurde.

Quelle: http://www.science4life.de/Preistraeger/Profil200.aspx

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BMBF-Project MinoLab

Magna Diagnostics will provide a novel PoC magnetic-bead-based lab-on-a-chip diagnostic platform called "MAZER system" that is rapid, portable, easy to perform and reliable. The system will consist of a single-test “disposable” and an “analyser”. The analyser consists of the mechanic and electronic components that control the processes on the disposable, which is a microfluidic cartridge, acquires and manages the data, and displays the final results.

[more] MAZER system

EU-Project e-BRAINS: Best-Reliable Ambient Intelligent Nano Sensor Systems

Best-Reliable Ambient Intelligent Nano-sensor Systems e-BRAINS represent a giant leap for outstanding future applications in the area of ambient living with the ultimate need for integration of heterogeneous technologies, high-performance nano-sensor devices, miniaturization, smart wireless communication and best-reliability. e-BRAINS with minimum volume and weight as well as reduced power consumption can be utilized in ambient living systems. Successful market entry of such innovative ambient intelligence products will be determined by the performance improvement achieved and the cost advantage in relation to the total system cost. The basic requirement for robustness and reliability of the heterogeneous integration technologies and the nano-sensor layers is in the focus of all e-BRAINS developments.

[more]